In Cleveland, Joe Thomas emerged as a unique franchise star, defined not by loud acclaim but by the standard he set every Sunday. Thomas gave Browns fans an early sign of this character during the draft. While top prospects gathered in New York, he spent the 2007 NFL Draft fishing with his father on Lake Michigan. He then received a call from the Browns to become the No. 3 overall pick.
Today, Thomas is retired and living a leaner life beyond football. As a 2023 first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, he joined OutKick Outdoors to discuss that memorable draft day, his transformative health journey, and his Wisconsin cattle business, Hall of Fame Farms.
Thomas gained national attention even before his Browns stint by opting out of the draft ceremony in New York. Unlike other top prospects, he chose a fishing rod over custom suits and public appearances.
“I wasn’t really interested in the pomp and circumstance of the NFL Draft,” Thomas explained. “Didn’t have a suit, and would much rather spend the day fishing with my dad.”
Despite NFL representatives urging attendance, Thomas stayed true to his plan. On draft morning, he fished for salmon and trout with his father. The Cleveland Browns called him to announce he was their third overall pick.
This down-to-earth attitude characterized Thomas’ 11-year Cleveland career and influences his life in Wisconsin. Retiring in 2018 made him confront the impact of playing at over 310 pounds.
Joe Thomas shared, “I had so much inflammation and pain, couldn’t walk down stairs and basically slid down them. A doctor advised a knee replacement or weight loss. I chose the latter.”
Thomas committed to changing his lifestyle, eliminating processed foods, refined carbs, and seed oils in favor of intermittent fasting, garden vegetables, and quality animal proteins. The benefits included reduced joint pain, improved mobility, and a physique resembling an NFL tight end.
This health transformation led to the founding of Hall of Fame Farms. Initially a cash-crop operation in Wisconsin, the farm evolved when Thomas’ children insisted that a “real farm” includes livestock.
“The passion I had for football, making me a perfectionist and a Hall of Famer, now fuels my cattle business,” Thomas stated. “We treat each animal like a professional athlete. Treating cattle well results in beef worthy of the Hall of Fame.”
Thomas’ farm produces Wagyu and Certified Angus beef, offering premium steaks and Wagyu beef tallow. Yet, the greatest reward is family life on the Wisconsin farm.
Whether tagging calves, fishing in Canada, or participating in outdoor adventures, Thomas cherishes sharing the outdoors with his kids.
“Seeing them catch their first fish and their joy is more thrilling than my first catch,” Thomas shared. “Passing on the love of fishing and respect for nature means I’m doing okay as a dad.”